Final farewell to St Stephen's

By REBECCA WALSH education reporter

It was a chance to say a final goodbye. As the sun came up over the Bombay Hills, students, staff, family and friends of St Stephen's School made their way slowly down the school drive.

Arms around each other, few words were spoken. This was a time to remember.

Today was the last day for the Anglican boarding school, which has a history stretching back to
1844 and has occupied the Bombay site since 1931.

On Tuesday, Education Minister Trevor Mallard announced Government funding to the school would be cut because of concerns for the health and safety of its students and about its management.

Mr Mallard also said a new state-funded Maori boys' school would be set up at the site - with a new name. It could opens its doors for the 2002 school year.

About 80 people took part in this morning's blessing ceremony at significant sites around the school grounds, including the memorial for Bishop George Selwyn, who was instrumental in setting up St Stephen's.

Tears flowed as school chaplain Rawina Pahau prayed: ``Let us love each other and care for each other as we go our separate ways at the end of this day.''

Principal Ngareta Timutimu said although it was a sad day, it was also a time of celebration.

"The school is bigger than ourselves on this day."

Mrs Timutimu said it had been a confusing time but she believed the proposal for a new school would mean a wonderful future for St Stephen's "if the Minister and the Bishops keep their word".

She hoped that in future Maori would have a greater say in determining the education of their children.

Among those leaving the school were head boy Leonard Andrews, who said his three years at St Stephen's had been everything to him.

"You live here. You wake up every morning and you see the guys next to you. It's your family. Your home," he said.

The 17-year-old was disappointed his younger brothers would not have the opportunity to go to St Stephen's where he had learnt a lot about people and "how to live."

He was cautious about plans for the new school. "I'm used to broken promises from adults. I will hold the Minister and the Bishop to that."

Leonard, who plans to study law or business next year, believed media coverage of bullying incidents at the school had been exaggerated.

"I've been angry and frustrated. Now it's a time to remember."